Weekly Update September 24, 2015

Alturi Newsletter - September 24, 2015

As part of Alturi's official launch activities, we are screening the acclaimed documentary 'Taboo...Yardies' in Washington, D.C. on Thursday, October 1. The screening will be followed by Q&A with the film's director Selena Blake and Jamaican LGBTI activist Angeline Jackson who is featured in the film. You can RSVP and share the event with your friends here.

Thailand has taken a big step in protecting transgender people from discrimination. Its Gender Equality Act came into effect this month, making Thailand the first Southeast Asian country to protect transgender people from discrimination. However, religious exemptions mean some employers are still allowed to discriminate.

Argentina has lifted its ban on blood donations from gay and bisexual men earlier this week, joining a growing minority of nations--including Chile, Mexico, Spain and Italy--where donors are assessed on individual risk rather than sexual orientation. Health Minister Daniel Gollán says Argentina can now pursue “safe, caring and inclusive” blood system.

The Saudi Arabian ambassador to the UN, who opposes LGBTI rights, will chair a key panel in the UN Human Rights Council. Faisal bin Hassan Trad will chair the group responsible for identifying experts who will determine global human rights standards. Human rights campaigners across the world sharply criticized the move.

American Jewish World Service, one of Alturi’s partner organizations, played a significant role in encouraging Secretary of State Kerry and President Obama to create the LGBTI Special Envoy position. As part of its We Believe campaign to end violence against women, girls and the LGBTI community worldwide, AJWS encouraged Americans to help end state-sanctioned hate against LGBTI people by signing a petition for the creation of the special envoy position.